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First Special Warfare Airmen Graduate Initial Apprentice Course for Special Reconnaissance

June 23rd, 2021

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-CHAPMAN TRAINING ANNEX, Texas –The 352nd Special Warfare Training Squadron graduates the first wave of students from the new Special Reconnaissance Apprentice Course, June 17, 2021 at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina.

Formerly branded as Special Operations Weather Teams (SOWTs), the SR career field recently underwent a major restructuring. While short term weather forecasting will remain in the SR’s skillset, it will no longer dominate SR’s training and mission focus.

“Today’s SR graduates are better equipped with unique training to conduct multi-domain reconnaissance and surveillance with an eye towards gaps identified in the Department of Defense’s long range reconnaissance and force projection capabilities,” said Maj. Spencer Reed, 352nd SWTS commander. “This ceremony not only celebrates the first organically trained SR Airmen in our wing, but in the U.S. Air Force. I’m incredibly proud.”

Special Reconnaissance Airmen are among the most highly trained personnel in the U.S. military. Airmen receive training in surveillance and reconnaissance, multi-domain electronic warfare, long-range precision engagement and target interdiction, small unmanned aircraft systems, preparation of the environment, personnel recovery, and advanced special tactics skills.

“The first SR Apprentice Course graduation signifies the first tangible step towards the Air Force building an increased capability,” said Senior Master Sgt.Trenton Seegmiller, Air Education and Training Command’s special reconnaissance functional manager. “It is one of many steps in a never-ending process to maintain our edge over near-peer competitors.”

The course curriculum includes collecting meteorological and environmental data- a holdover requirement from the SOWT career field, yet significantly reduced in scope. New skills added are demolition, communication and signaling, human intelligence gathering, operational preparation of the environment and tactical cyber applications.

“Previous iterations of training required multiple courses and training locations, totaling around 215 training days,” Reed said. “This new 86-day course provides an updated training syllabus with a 60% reduction in training time.”

SR Airmen train to provide global battlespace awareness and access by translating information into actionable intelligence. In the battlespace, SR Airmen are part of Special Tactics teams in sensitive, forward operating locations, focused on global strike, global access and recovery missions.

Members of the Special Warfare Training Wing provide initial training for all U.S. Air Force Special Warfare training AFSCs, to include, Combat Controllers, Pararescue, Special Reconnaissance, and Tactical Air Control Party Airmen.

To learn more about SR Airmen or other U.S. Air Force Special Warfare career opportunities, go to: www.airforce.com/careers/in-demand-careers/special-warfare.

Story by Nicholas J. De La Pena, Special Warfare Training Wing

Posted in AFSW, Air Force, Guest Post, SOF, Training | 1 Comment »

6th Annual Rosendin Golf Tournament Raises Over $200,000 for Navy SEAL Foundation

June 22nd, 2021

Fundraiser benefits Naval Special Warfare community

Anaheim, CA (June 22, 2021) – Over 140 construction workers from a dozen companies came together in Southern California to recognize the sacrifices of military members and support their families. Rosendin’s 6th Annual Golf Tournament raised more than $200,000 for the nonprofit Navy SEAL Foundation (NSF) to provide immediate and ongoing support for the Naval Special Warfare community.

Since 2016, Rosendin’s annual industry golf outing has collected more than $1.2 million to support families of Navy SEALS and Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC’s). The employee-owned electrical contracting company held this year’s fundraiser on May 27th at Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point.

“We want to thank California’s construction industry for joining us in raising awareness and funds to support the important work of the Navy SEAL Foundation,” said David Lincoln, Senior Vice President of Rosendin’s Renewable Energy Group and NSF Committee Member. “Rosendin recognizes the incredible value Veterans bring to our community and our industry and we will continue to support them through fundraisers, volunteer efforts, and career development.”

Established in 2000, the Navy SEAL Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit benevolent organization that provides over 30 essential programs for SEALS, SWCC’s, Veterans, and their families. The organization is headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA and helps members transition to successful careers in the civilian sector.

Veterans from every branch of the military have found successful career paths at Rosendin. The company was founded in 1919 by WWI Navy Veteran Moses Rosendin, a proud U.S. citizen who grew the company by helping the country’s wartime efforts in WWII.

As the largest employee-owned electrical contractor in the United States, Rosendin’s services include design-build engineering, BIM services, special systems, and renewable energy. They work closely with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) to offer productive career paths across all skill levels, including opportunities for those who are new to the craft. For career opportunities visit www.rosendin.com/careers.

Posted in Charity, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on 6th Annual Rosendin Golf Tournament Raises Over $200,000 for Navy SEAL Foundation

SIG SAUER Introduces the P320 Xcarry Legion

June 22nd, 2021

Introducing the all-new P320 XCARRY LEGION. This pistol retains many of the same features introduced in the P320 XFIVE LEGION including the lightened, skeletonized flat faced trigger, with an all-new carry length TXG heavy-weight tungsten infused grip module. It features a shortened carry length slide with a 4.6” threaded barrel with standard ½ x 28 threads and comes optic ready, compatible with a SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMEO1Pro, ROMEO2, or other DeltaPoint Pro footprint optics. This pistol also ships with three 17-round magazines with anodized aluminum LEGION engraved Henning Group Base pads.

SIG SAUER Product Manager Phil Strader walks you through the features and benefits of the new P320 XCARRY LEGION pistol.

www.sigsauer.com/p320-xcarry-legion

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, weapons | 4 Comments »

OpticsPlanet, Inc. Donates PPE to Numerous Organizations That Serve Their Communities

June 22nd, 2021

OpticsPlanet, Inc. continues their established efforts to help those who serve their communities by donating personal protective equipment to over twenty non-profit organizations amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Northbrook, IL. June 15, 2021 – OpticsPlanet Inc., an Ecentria company, continues to serve vulnerable communities in need by donating face masks, hand sanitizer, coveralls, and other essential PPE to various organizations that play a vital role in helping their communities. The OpticsPlanet Cares program has already donated over $500,000 to non-profit organizations committed to their communities, and this donation of PPE is another example of the company’s unyielding dedication to aid those who serve others.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, PPE became increasingly difficult to acquire, which left many organizations in dire need of protective gear. Recognizing this issue, the company utilized their established network of suppliers and extensive experience in the industry to acquire essential products for schools, medical clinics, police departments, and other groups focused on serving the public. The company donated these items to ensure these organizations can safely continue their efforts to aid those in need.

OpticsPlanet, Inc. chose these specific groups because of the service they provide for others, whether it be education, veteran support, or after-school care for children. Among these groups is Hope for the Warriors, a non-profit organization that provides aid to military families through programs focused on health and wellness, transitioning to civilian life, and sports and recreation.

“Events at Hope For The Warriors are life-transforming opportunities to not only raise support for our mission, but also to build a renewed sense of community in the veterans and transitioning service members we serve,” said Leslie Hunt, Director of Donor Partnerships at Hope For The Warriors. “OpticsPlanet’s donation of large-scale PPE for our New York and North Carolina events ensures that we can once again gather safely and carry out our mission of providing HOPE to the post-9/11 warrior community.”

OpticsPlanet, Inc. also donated PPE items to the Children First Fund, the Chicago Public Schools Foundation. CFF promotes the growth and success of Chicago Public Schools through philanthropy and partnerships.

“We are grateful for the generosity of Ecentria and all of our partners across Chicago who help us ensure a safe, supportive and equitable school year for all,” said Mica Matsoff, Interim Executive Director at Children First Fund. “This contribution of PPE to Harold Washington Elementary supports Chicago Public Schools’ extensive work to provide the safest possible learning environments for students and staff.”

The shortage of PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the operations of several organizations that aid their communities. These groups that help others became in need themselves, and OpticsPlanet, Inc. demonstrated the value of their vast supply chain by sourcing and donating protective gear in an unprecedented time.

See below for a complete list of the non-profit organizations that received a donation:

-Navy Special Warfare Foundation for their Kids Summer Camp Program

-UDT-Seal Association

-Deerfield Police Department

-Feed My Starving Children.

-Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry

-Harold Washington Elementary

-Children First Fund

-Little Sisters Of The Poor

-Chicago Teachers Union

-Bulldog Booster Club

-North Maine Fire Department

-Willow Bend Elementary School- CCSD 15

-Ageless Eyecare

-Hope Church Pilsen

-MiMedico Clinic

-Ranger Road

-Ogden Elementary School

-United 4 Children

-Springfield Workshop Institute

-Hope For The Warriors

-Camp Manitowa

-MAAC Foundation

Posted in Charity, Industry, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Wiley X Breaks Ground at New Headquarters in Frisco, Texas

June 22nd, 2021

Livermore, CA. (June 22, 2021) – Wiley X®, the leading premium protective eyewear brand, broke ground in Frisco, Texas, where its global headquarters, manufacturing and distribution site is set to be located in the Star Business Park by 2022. Wiley X joins a growing list of California-based companies seeking new locations, with many finding their new homes in the Dallas and North Texas region. The central location within the United States will increase efficiencies of shipping and distribution, in both time and cost, to the wide range of customers Wiley X supports.

Co-Owners of Wiley X, Myles Freeman, Jr. and Dan Freeman, were on-site with shovels in hand and hard hats on to commemorate the milestone of this brand. Naturally, all participants, which included Mayor Jeff Cheney, Councilman John Keating, Councilman Bill Woodward, and Councilman Brian Livingston were equipped with the brand’s iconic safety-rated eyewear to ensure the event went off without a hitch. Other attendees included Gary Garley, Jason Dudley and Rick Fletcher of the Frisco EDC Board of Directors as well as Fire Chief Mark Piland and Assistant Chief Greg Ward of the Frisco Police Department.

“Wiley X is committed to piloting smart and sustained growth for many years to come and a central location like Texas is a prime place to call home for our brand,” said Dan Freeman, Co-Owner of Wiley X. “Frisco is a perfect fit for Wiley X and as a veteran-founded, family-owned company, we are excited to call Texas home as we begin to grow and contribute to the area while supporting the community,” expressed Myles Freeman, Jr., Co-Owner of Wiley X.

Frisco – known as “Sports City USA” – is a perfect fit for Wiley X, a company committed to protection and performance for active pursuits such as fishing, motorsports and shooting, as well as for the government/first responder network. Wiley X aligns well with Texas values, with a long history of providing protective eyewear to the United States military and being veteran-founded and family-owned. Breaking ground and the move to Frisco will inspire the fabrication of a state-of-the-art building to elevate brand operations and will include a flagship retail store for Wiley X fans and local customers to enjoy.

About the Frisco EDC

The Frisco EDC operates as a Texas non-profit corporation and is governed by a seven-member board of directors appointed by the Frisco, Texas City Council. Job number one is facilitating the creation of jobs, as the Frisco EDC’s mission is to improve the economic opportunities and quality of life for all Frisco residents. The Frisco EDC has facilitated major economic development projects, resulting in hundreds of projects and thousands of jobs in the City of Frisco. For more information, visit FriscoEDC.com.

Posted in Eyepro, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Wiley X Breaks Ground at New Headquarters in Frisco, Texas

Si Hannaford Runs 13-Minute Mile in NP Aerospace Bomb Suit During Ultra-Triathlon

June 22nd, 2021

WO2 Si Hannaford, Bomb Disposal Operator for the British Army, has run an impressive 13-minute mile in an NP Aerospace Bomb Suit – 13 days into a 26-day, 1,777 mile £100k ultra-triathlon fundraiser for the Felix Fund and the Hummingbird Centre.

Si ran the mile in the 35kg fully operational and unmodified NIJ certified 4030 ELITE Bomb suit on Sunday 13th June in John O’Groats, Scotland. The run was in preparation for an attempt to beat the fastest mile in bomb suit world record later in the Autumn of 7-minutes 24-seconds which was set by a British Army Solider in 2017.

Facing challenging terrain and exhaustion after cycling 1,000 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats and swimming 21 miles (the length of the English Channel) he wasn’t put off by the task. He managed to run an impressive 13 minutes 8 seconds over challenging terrain on the hottest weekend of the year.

The mile marked the start of the last leg of Si’s journey – a 756 mile run back to his home town of Bicester where his wife and four children aged from three to 16 years will be waiting for his return.

Glynn Jones, NP Aerospace Product Manager, who was there to witness the challenge, said: “As we watched the triathlon unfold on social media, we became aware of the extent of the challenge we had set Si. We were unsure whether it would even be possible to complete a mile in a bomb suit let alone achieve a fast time. However, his determination and energy was clear to see from the start and it was an honour to be there and cheer him on.”

Simon Hannaford said: “It was a brave move to commit to the challenge with everything else going on but I did it for the charities and their efforts to support veterans and people suffering with cancer. I wasn’t sure how it would go but I am so glad I did it! I am looking forward to attempting to beat the fastest mile record in the NP Aerospace Bomb Suit when I am recovered and back on flat ground.”

James Kempston, CEO of NP Aerospace, said: “Outstanding result and dedication in the middle of a charitable cause. From the start, Si said the least he could do was suffer for 26 days to support charities who help people who are suffering for much longer. After a grueling swim and a 1000+ mile bike ride he decided to continue with his plan to run a mile in a bomb suit before running a further 756 miles. Most would have given up but Si’s tenacity and motivation are clearly world class and we are thrilled and proud to have been supporting him and raising awareness for his cause. We are also excited to support him in beating the fastest mile in a bomb suit world record later in the Autumn.”

Michelle Hannaford, wife of Si Hannaford, said: “When Si says he is going to do something it always gets done. Whether it’s running a mile in a bomb suit during a triathlon or mowing the lawn! He was determined to do this challenge for the charities involved as what they stand for is very close to home, with his mother and friend being diagnosed with cancer. It’s also been good for his mental health doing something valuable for the community. He’s done an amazing job and the family can’t wait to have him home.”

Si Hannaford is running, cycling and swimming 1777 miles in 26 days to raise £100,000 for charities, the Felix Fund and the Hummingbird Centre. The challenge started in Portsmouth on 1st June and will end in Bicester on 26th June. The Felix Fund provide welfare and financial support to military and police personnel working in bomb disposal and search. The Hummingbird Centre is a cancer support center based in Launton, near his home town of Bicester.

Si is urging people to sign-up and follow his YouTube channel – he needs 1000 followers so he can broadcast it live from his mobile phone.

To sign-up to Si’s YouTube page view www.youtube.com/c/SiHannaford

To sponsor Si view uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SiHannaford/1 Or www.justgiving.com/fundraising/simonhannaford

Posted in EOD, Press Release | 1 Comment »

BAD Wrap

June 22nd, 2021

Currently on Kickstarter, the Bad Wrap is an innovative way to protect cameras and other electronics during transit. The BAD Wrap features a grid-shaped, stiffened internal frame mated to a protective waterproof fabric.

You lay the item you want to protect into the middle and wrap the edges around it for transport or storage.

It’s offered in three sizes.

www.kickstarter.com/projects/badwrap/bad-wrap

Posted in Load Carrying | 2 Comments »

Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition Supports the Future of Engineering

June 22nd, 2021

ROCHESTER, Mich. — Student engineers got a feel for real-world robotics challenges at the 28th annual Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC) here at Oakland University June 4-7.

The IGVC, hosted by the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC), is the oldest and largest autonomous vehicle competition in the nation and provides students with their first professional projects as engineers.

The student competitors represent every Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-related major, and there are also opportunities for business majors to become involved.

IGVC event sponsors frequently recruit students into full-time positions upon finishing their degrees, said Bernard Theisen, GVSC’s Division Chief for Ground Vehicle Robotics, and a long-time supporter of the competition.

“If these students can use this capability to build these unmanned systems, they are the perfect recruits,” said Theisen. “Some of the teams here are taking advantage of some of our core products such as our Robotic Technology Kernel (RTK) software and Warfighter Machine Interface (WMI), used to control their vehicles.”

The competition offers students a glimpse of what it means to be an engineer for the Army. “I think IGVC has been a good catalyst for robotic development,” said Theisen.

Many GVSC engineers were recruited at previous competitions they participated in as students.

“I would say probably 30 percent of everybody in GVSC Ground Vehicle Robotics competed in the competition at one time or another,” said Theisen.

Unmanned systems allow the Soldier to operate technology from a distance, providing better protection, said Theisen. “Our primary customer is the Soldier, and robotics and autonomy help take the Soldier out of harm’s way.”

Engineers for the Army provide Soldiers with the most cutting-edge products that give them the most security on the frontlines.

“My primary goal as an engineer for the Army is to save Soldiers’ lives,” said Theisen. “I want to give them the best technology and the best capability.”

Engineers for the Army use their versatility and determination to work around the constantly changing needs of the Warfighter and it isn’t always easy, said Theisen.

“There’s a lot of ups and downs” said Theisen. “We are focused on the technology and it changes often.”

Andrew Kosinski, a mechanical engineer for GVSC Ground Vehicle Robotics, said IGVC gives students a chance to use flexibility and quick thinking to solve complications that occur before and during the competition.

“Having to be flexible is the biggest challenge that comes with being an engineer for the Army,” said Kosinski. “You have to work with a lot of different situations and people and need to be able to think on your feet.”

IGVC also provides an environment full of positivity and diversity. There are countless opportunities for networking.

“I love seeing all the teams show off from all around the world,” Kosinski said. “I love being able to talk to all sorts of unique people.”

What’s more, while IGVC gives many students a chance to learn more about Robotics Technologies and develop a passion for it— the competition is a venue for student engineers to pursue professional careers in engineering.

“The competition is the best type of job interview because you get to see people in action,” said Kosinski. “That’s why Army and various sponsors support it each year.”

More information on the Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition can be found at www.igvc.org.

By Kennedy Thomas

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Mobility, Research | Comments Off on Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition Supports the Future of Engineering